Facilities Management and Planning & Construction worked across UNLV to repair aging infrastructure, update high-use spaces, and prepare the campus for the fall semester.
Here’s a look at what changed over the past few months.
Tarkanian Way Maintenance
Drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists returning to the area around the Thomas & Mack Center will see completed roadway repairs and refreshed pavement markings following the Tarkanian Way maintenance project.
The maintenance extends the lifespan of the roadway while improving traffic flow and safety. The work also reduces long-term maintenance needs along one of the university’s primary transportation corridors. All roads and parking areas affected by the project reopened in July.
New Infrastructure for Scooters and Bikes
Students using scooters, bicycles, and other wheeled conveyances have some new infrastructure to help them navigate campus this fall.
UNLV is testing the Rebel Route, a pilot designated-lane system for wheeled conveyances along portions of the Academic Mall. The L-shaped route connects the Student Recreation and Wellness Center with Hospitality Hall and continues between Hospitality Hall and the Student Union.
The pilot will test how lanes for scooters, bikes, and similar devices can support safer movement through some of the campus's busiest pedestrian areas. The project also added signage at nine campus buildings with guidance for wheeled conveyances indoors, along with approximately 38 new scooter parking racks at 15 locations. The racks are located alongside existing bicycle parking near residence halls and heavily used destinations including the Student Union, Lied Library, Student Recreation and Wellness Center, Hospitality Hall, and the Student Services Complex.
All users of wheeled conveyances are encouraged to use the Rebel Route. Wheeled conveyance users should also follow posted signage and UNLV’s wheeled conveyance policy, which prohibits riding wheeled conveyances inside university buildings. Personal assistive mobility devices used due to a disability are not considered wheeled conveyances under the policy.
Have thoughts about the wheeled conveyance lanes? Please share them through this form.
Archie C. Grant Hall HVAC Replacement
Facilities Management completed a major HVAC replacement at Archie C. Grant Hall in June, replacing 17 aging units that serve 10 rooms and approximately half of the building’s total square footage.
The project replaced the existing heating and cooling equipment with new energy-efficient systems and included upgrades to ductwork, equipment mounts, electrical service lines, and disconnect switches. Crews also tested and commissioned the new equipment before returning the system to operation.
Before the replacement, classroom temperatures could fluctuate from 74 to 90 degrees, and portable air-conditioning units and fans were used during system outages and periods of unstable temperatures. Since the new equipment was installed, occupied spaces have maintained a steady 74-degree temperature and the temporary cooling equipment has been removed, improving comfort while providing more reliable climate control throughout the affected areas of the building.
Barrick Museum and Harry Reid Center Roof Replacement
Planning & Construction began a major roof and mechanical system replacement at the Marjorie Barrick Museum of Art, addressing recurring roof leaks and aging equipment that had reached the end of its useful life.
Crews removed the existing roofing system, including asbestos-containing materials, down to the original metal deck. Construction activities revealed a structurally compromised museum ceiling system, forcing a complete removal of unsafe ceiling materials and installation of new energy-efficient LED lighting.
The new roof includes a PVC membrane that creates a watertight barrier and tapered insulation that improves energy efficiency while directing rainwater toward drainage points. The roof is backed by a 20-year warranty. The project also replaces the museum's aging rooftop mechanical equipment with two new 30-ton air-conditioning units.
Construction is scheduled to continue through Sept. 30. The result will be a more weather-resistant and energy-efficient building, as well as better climate control for the museum and its collections.
William S. Boyd School of Law Renovations
Planning & Construction completed renovations at the William S. Boyd School of Law, updating academic, student organization, and gathering spaces throughout the building.
The work included renovations to the Society of Advocates and Journal rooms, with new furniture, storage, and workspace layouts to better support student work. The main BSL lobby and Moot Court lobby also received new furnishings.
In the Thomas & Mack Moot Courtroom, Facilities Management replaced worn carpeting with new commercial-grade flooring. In addition to refreshing the courtroom, the replacement reduces potential trip hazards and provides a more durable surface for daily use.
The work in BSL was completed in a series of phased improvements that began in 2025. It also included updates to the student lounge and breakroom, bridge and adjacent lounge area, and second-floor lobby and rotunda. These renovations added more flexible spaces for studying, collaborating, gathering, and preparing for professional work.
Marlow Early Childhood Education Campus Expansion
The Marlow Early Childhood Education Campus expanded over the summer, doubling its existing capacity for children ages 3-5.
Planning & Construction partnered with Las Vegas-based KGA Architecture on the expansion, which added more than 11,000 square feet across two buildings. Building 8 includes a new campus entry and lobby, parent resource room and library, family and staff wellness room, conference room, and two classrooms with outdoor gardens. Building 7 adds two additional classrooms with outdoor gardens, and the project also includes two new outdoor play structures.
Planning & Construction’s Interior Design team worked with KGA on the interior spaces as well, incorporating colors inspired by the desert landscape and furnishings designed for young children. Child-sized seating, books placed at eye level, and accessible pathways support independent learning while making the buildings easier for people with strollers to navigate.
The expansion provides additional classroom capacity while updating the spaces used by children, families, and staff throughout the day.
Restroom Renovations at Alta Ham Fine Arts
Facilities Management completed a significant renovation of the southwest wing restrooms in Alta Ham Fine Arts in July.
The project converted the existing multi-user restrooms into ADA-compliant single-user facilities. Work also addressed underlying infrastructure, including relining a failed sanitary pipe system and updating rough plumbing before the new layout was constructed. New plumbing fixtures, grab bars, lighting, occupancy sensors, finishes, and restroom accessories completed the renovation.
The result is a more accessible and functional space with durable finishes designed for long-term use.
Updates to High-Use Campus Spaces
Several smaller projects completed over the summer focused on spaces students, faculty, and staff use every day.
At Frank and Estella Beam Hall, four stairwells received new paint and protective coatings, including anti-slip additives on the stair treads. The improvements increase traction, restore worn surfaces, and add durable finishes designed to stand up to heavy foot traffic while reducing future maintenance needs.
The Student Union Food Court received a furniture remodel ahead of the fall semester. Aramark, UNLV’s food service partner, worked with Planning & Construction’s Interior Design team to update the dining area with new furnishings and create a more comfortable and welcoming space.
In Thomas T. Beam Engineering Complex ( classroom 107, Facilities Management replaced aging, loose, and previously removed seating with new securely anchored seats. The project restored seating capacity, addressed safety concerns, and created a more comfortable and functional classroom for students.
A new hydration station was installed along the Academic Mall outside Artemus W. Ham Concert Hall, between HCH and William D. Carlson Education , providing outdoor access to drinking water and bottle filling. Facilities Management completed the project Aug. 15, including a new connection to the main water line, installation of a concrete equipment pad, and testing of the station.
The new station was added at the request of CSUN to improve students’ access to drinking water and support sustainability goals. Have further suggestions? Share them through this form!
Maintaining the Infrastructure Behind Campus Operations
Some of the summer's work took place outside the spaces most campus visitors see, addressing the infrastructure required to keep the university operating safely and reliably.
At the Central Desert Complex, existing exterior extension ladders were replaced with fixed roof-access ladders. New security gates limit unauthorized roof access, while expanded concrete landings provide safer access for maintenance personnel. The project standardizes roof access and supports safer long-term building maintenance.
At the Operations and Maintenance Warehouses 3 and 4, Facilities Management installed a new radiant barrier (a heat-reflecting membrane) across ceiling areas where existing material had deteriorated or fallen. The work restored continuous coverage, secured sagging insulation, improved thermal performance, and reduced future maintenance concerns. The completed project also eliminated problems associated with falling insulation and created a cleaner, safer work environment for the employees who support campus operations.
